Don’t Get Your Hopes Up

Have you ever been told, “Don’t get your hopes up!” I certainly have.

When I wanted to run again after my motorcycle accident, my surgeon told me not to get my hopes up. I didn’t take the news well but prepared me what came later (fortunately).

When I talk to people going through a difficult time of transition or change, I’ve cautioned them to avoid unrealistic expectations. I’ve said, “Don’t get your hopes up for a bright future if you aren’t prepared to go down into the valley of uncertainty that is part of the journey.”

One reason to say, “Don’t get your hopes up,” is that it helps manage expectations and avoid unnecessary disappointment.

Another reason to say, “Don’t get your hopes up,” is because it creates a pause and time to count the cost before jumping in.

On the one hand, I’m quick to say, “Get your hopes up! Aim high! Do great things!” But, on the other hand, if those who hope do not have the right people, the right plan, proper preparation, the necessary resources, it could lead to disappointment and frustration.

So, in the spirit of putting wood on the fire of “true hope,” here are 14 examples of when you should say, “Don’t get your hopes up.”

14 Times You Should Say: “Don’t Get Your Hopes Up”

1. Don’t get your hopes up — when the expectations are not based on a pathway to see those desires realized.
2. Don’t get your hopes up — when environmental conditions are such that change is unlikely.
3. Don’t get your hopes up — if your past is holding you back and there’s an unwillingness to experience healthy closure.
4. Don’t get your hopes up — if you are not developing the habits necessary to sustain you during the tough times.
5. Don’t get your hopes up — if you keep doing what you’ve done and expect a different result.
6. Don’t get your hopes up — if your mindset is fixed and you believe you have all you need to get where you need to go.
7. Don’t get your hopes up — if you are holding onto unprocessed loss or trauma and are acting like everything is OK.
8. Don’t get your hopes up — to strengthen key relationships if all you do is grab a few minutes here or there.
9. Don’t get your hopes up — to run a marathon if you get up in the morning and decide to do it that day.
10. Don’t get your hopes up — to leave a legacy if you haven’t written your eulogy, then planned your life accordingly.
11. Don’t get your hopes up — to reap what you have not spent time sowing into.
12. Don’t get your hopes up — if all you have is a wish without a plan.
13. Don’t get your hopes up — if you expect to pass a test taken in grade 12 without passing the tests given in grade 1-11.
14. Don’t get your hopes up — to become the person you want to be without being mentored by those who are.

What would you add to the list?

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